Dear Editor:
I understand that the ongoing construction on Highway 160 is frustrating for everyone in our community. However, I want to highlight the significant impact this has had on the Pagosa Hills neighborhood. This area is family-friendly, with many children, pets, and residents who enjoy walking.
Despite the Sheriff’s department deploying a speed tracker to deter speeding, this effort has not been effective. As traffic congestion builds on the highway, we are seeing an increase in vehicles passing through our neighborhood, often without regard for safety. Just this morning, I observed several instances of speeding, drivers ignoring stop signs, and even two near-accidents.
The roads in the neighborhood—Pike, Rainbow, Brookhill, Bienvenido, and Cemetery—were not designed or maintained to handle this level of traffic. It is crucial for both the county and town to acknowledge that these roads should not be used as detour routes and be aware that the current situation is unsustainable for the next 2-5 years of construction.
I urge local officials to take action to ensure the safety and well-being of our community.
Ty Hart
Editor’s note: The Colorado Department of Transportation anticipates completion of the U.S. 160 reconstruction project by November 2026.
